Boston Celtics: 3 bench-bolstering offseason Gordon Hayward trades

Why the Boston Celtics do it

Boston has a significant amount of youth on their roster, with several incoming draft picks, Tacko Fall and Tremont Waters on two-way deals, and Romeo Langford and Grant Williams profiling as recent first-round picks who could continue their development in Beantown before Danny Ainge uses them as trade bait (remember, we don’t control his neurological functions so we don’t know what he’ll do).

They could stand to add a veteran presence, particularly in the backcourt. Waters could be a future backup, but this Cs team is a contender. Brad Stevens needs steady hands that can potentially contribute to an NBA Finals series.

Enter Patrick Peverly and Lou Williams. The 32-year-old and 34-year-old (respectively) point guards offer defensive doggedness and unrivaled second unit scoring (respectively).

Ivica Zubac is a cheap hedge to Daniel Theis leaving for a higher salary next year and Landry Shamet gives the Celtics a reason to let Semi Ojeleye walk in free agency.

Why the Los Angeles Clippers do it

Whatever the Clippers were going for in 2019-20…they didn’t achieve it. A second-round elimination at the hands of the Denver Nuggets is an objective failure for a franchise that had aspirations to finally win a championship.

Changes need to come, and it wouldn’t be the least bit shocking if the outspoken Williams and Beverly had a hand in whatever chaos ensued behind the scenes in Tinseltown. Acquiring a third do-it-all wing in Hayward could be the antidote to having the ultimate switchable defense and the most versatile offensive troika in the league.

A first-round pick is the price paid for taking on Carsen Edwards and Vincent Poirier.